KOLKHORST, GERDES FILE BILLS TO CREATE FIRST DEGREE FELONY FOR INTOXICATION MANSLAUGHTER INVOLVING MULTIPLE DEATHS

  

State Senator Lois Kolkhorst and State Representative Stan Gerdes have filed legislation aimed at increasing the criminal penalty in certain cases of intoxication manslaughter. 

The companion bills, Senate Bill 745 and House Bill 1789, seek to raise the penalty to a first degree felony if the person convicted of intoxication manslaughter caused the death of more than one person.

The legislation comes after a fatal accident that killed four people, including a six-year-old child, near Lake Somerville in May 2020.  Ignacio Reyes Aviles pleaded guilty to the offense and was sentenced to four 20-year sentences to be served concurrently.  Since intoxication manslaughter is normally a second degree felony, the maximum sentence is 20 years.

In announcing his bill, Gerdes said it will allow for harsher penalties and accountability and ensure “justice that matches the severity of these crimes.”

The 89^th Texas Legislature begins its next regular session on Tuesday.